Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind the maryolatry - like "veneration" which many "conservative" Yankees (and Mets as well....) seem to direct towards the flag of their country?? I am completely mystified by this type of "mentality" [any and all puns intended here!]. The national anthem is dedicated to it, new citizens and millions of school children are obliged and encouraged to pledge their allegiance first of all to the flag and only secondarily to the "country for which it stands", and there is a recurring drive in certain circles to make it a high crime and/or a misdemeanor to burn/bash/fold improperly/look at cross-eyed/spindle/mutilate or otherwise "desecrate" this symbol of national sovereignty. The terminology and fervor of this intensely-fought project is very similar to that used in religious campaigns - "venerate" instead of "respect", "desecrate" instead of say, "dis-respect"...... it is just me or is this format of thinking perhaps related to the twisted form of "thinking" which is seemingly bent on turning the country into an Orwellian fascist state and simultaneoulsy an intolerant, crusading theocracy??

The histories of Canada and the US are wildly divergent. The way our countries came about and what we have experienced are apples and oranges.

Most of us view Old Glory as a symbol of what our country has accomplished, what it has endured, and a reminder of the sacrifice and suffering of many who have allowed us our way of life.

That being said, I am not in favor of flag desecration laws as they contradict what the flag stands for. And many of us while revering what the flag stands for and being saddened by its desecration aren't in favor of flag laws.

I was always under the impression that different skin pigments DID help you cope with the temperature better. This does not make me racist- it is the same as if I said taller people can reach higher things.